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Latvia Expands Airspace Restrictions Along Belarus and Russia Borders in Response to NATO Alerts

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Dariia Mykhailenko
News Writer
Latvia Expands Airspace Restrictions Along Belarus and Russia Borders in Response to NATO Alerts
Eurofighter, fighter aircraft of the German Air Force, taxiing on the tarmac of the Latvian Air Force Base Lielvarde on April 17, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

Latvia has extended partial airspace restrictions along its eastern border with Belarus and Russia. Starting October 8, the closure will remain in effect during nighttime hours—from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.—until further notice, Latvia`s Ministry of Defense reported on October 7.

Defense Minister Andris Spruds said the decision was made in response to recent airspace violations in other NATO countries and to enhance Latvia’s national airspace surveillance capabilities.

“Considering airspace violation incidents in other NATO countries, as well as the fact that airspace restrictions allow the National Armed Forces to conduct more detailed monitoring of the airspace, simulate the use of drones and counter-drone operations, and deploy and train mobile combat units, the decision was made to extend the partial nighttime closure of Latvia’s airspace,” Spruds explained.

He noted that future decisions would be linked to the planning of NATO’s “Eastern Watch” initiative and coordinated efforts with the other Baltic states.

According to the statement, the extended restrictions are part of NATO’s “Eastern Watch” program, which aims to strengthen airspace surveillance and coordination across the Alliance’s eastern flank.

From September 11 to 18, Latvia closed its airspace along the eastern border with Belarus and Russia. While the National Armed Forces assessed that there was no immediate military threat to the country, they remain on heightened alert during the national defense exercise “Namejs 2025”, the ministry noted.

To counter potential drone threats, Latvia’s air defense units are maintaining a constant presence along the eastern border, ready to intercept and neutralize drones launched by aggressor states if necessary. NATO’s air policing mission has also been reinforced, and new acoustic systems for airspace monitoring are being deployed.

Over the past year, Latvia has amended its regulations to allow for the rapid closure of airspace in threatened areas, in coordination with the Latvian Air Navigation Service. Additional updates have strengthened flight management in the country’s eastern airspace.

Earlier, a fragment of the tail section from a Russian Gerbera decoy drone was discovered on a beach in Latvia’s Ventspils region, likely washed ashore by the sea.

According to police, the site posed no threat, but a unit from the National Armed Forces was deployed to inspect the area, neutralize any potential explosive materials, and examine the drone fragment.

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